Writing this is one of the hardest things to do. Today I want to tell you about my best friend, Boe. He was the best dog a girl could ask for, a true companion. Those of you who knew him, know why I say that. But for those of you who don't know or think I'm crazy for a blog post about a dog, I'm going to take you back to the day I first met by bestie.

The day I met my bouncer, the day I got to pick my first dog, MY dog. So we went to meet my cousin to meet all the pups at her Vet Tech school. All the rescues and one was about to be mine! And no lies, the moment we walked in he started bouncing up and down, waging his tail. Way to cute! We went home to think about bringing home a new best friend, all the cuties, it was a little harder than I thought it would be. But the whole time Boe was on my mind and in my heart already. So we went back and brought my buddy home.

Boe had a rough start in life, but you would never know. The bounce, the big goofy grin, it stuck with everyone who met him. I remember the first time I gave him some peanut butter, his front paws jumping up and down, his ears perked up, the excitement for his future favorite treat was real. From then on, anytime you would even open the same cabinet he would magically appear right behind you, ready for a treat. But while peanut butter was his favorite, if it smelt good he was excited. A pup after my own heart. We don't need to talk about the disappearing fries, the licks of ice cream he thought I didn't see or the stolen bread he took off the counter once of twice. He got away with it way to often, because his face...too cute.

And I cannot forget about his first time swimming, or walking in water. He had no idea what to do, so he would walk in a little, then paw big steps through the water. But he was so eager, he loved it. Eventually e picked it up like a charm and soon he almost always tested out any small water hole to the big blue.

Even with all the treats, and chances to swim, one thing I know was his favorite was the nudge. You who knew he know what I'm talking about, the nudge for attention. If he was ever feeling the need for pets or lovings, he would find a way to get his nose up under your arm so you could no longer ignore his desires. You could just lay your hand on him and he would be beyond content. And honestly that was the best part. He didn't need much to feel loved, even if he did ask all the time. But if I was ever having a bad day, or not feeling well, he would instantly return the favor. He would nudge me and lay his head on my lap, He was always a good boy like that, knowing exactly what his humans needed.

Boe was there for so much of our lives. The loss of my good friend while in high school, when Kaleb was deployed overseas and those sleepless nights, for the move from Wisconsin to California, then back again, the day his little brother came home and all the lessons on how to be a dog, and the day we moved into our first home that was all ours. It's truly amazing how much an animal can impact your lives, and sometimes we take it for granted, but they really are more than just a pet they are family. And then when its time for them to go, we realize all the memories they have been apart of, and we cherish those memories.

You lived a good and full like Bubba. You made so many friends, from all over, who love you. You taught your brother the importance of cuddles and peanut butter, and he misses his play mate. But the thing I cherish most Bubba, you changed my life, and I will forever miss you. Love you Bud. Enjoy the endless treats and pets in doggy heaven.